DEAR HELOISE: To the people who prefer reading a physical newspaper, stating that it’s just not the same on their laptop, and to those who worry about spilling coffee on the keyboard, I, too, would never read the paper on a laptop. But I now read it on a tablet.

My paper offers a PDF of the printed version to its digital subscribers. It is an exact copy of the printed version, but once I download it to my tablet and put in my “books” folder, I can swipe to the next page or several pages ahead. I can increase the size of the type or comics up to whatever size I want and take it with me on a plane.

I don’t have to worry about having enough light or about delivery or recycling. And if I want to reread something from the previous week, I just go to my books folder and find the issue that I want.

•Bob Meagher,

in Richmond, Virginia

DEAR HELOISE: Oven cleaner should not be used to clean anything other than the oven because of the harsh chemicals that it contains. These chemicals can linger on surfaces, enter our water supply and ultimately enter us. Don’t count on your local water treatment plant to remove all of them once they’re washed down the drain.

Instead, I keep a simple spray bottle of water with a small amount of dish soap mixed in and use it as needed around the house. It works well for everyday messes, especially for surfaces or spills that need to sit a bit before cleaning. I’ve found this approach to be safer, gentler and still effective for most routine jobs.

• Anne’s Thoughts,

via email

DEAR HELOISE: I have seen many suggestions in your column over the years for keeping your eyes from tearing up while slicing onions. Some require special tools, refrigeration or other external materials that may not always be convenient for a person to obtain.

One of the most effective methods I’ve found, which does not involve any extra equipment at all, is simply this: Do not open your mouth while slicing onions. Keeping your mouth closed really does make a difference. Try it for yourself; it works!

• Ron Schutz, via email

DEAR HELOISE: Here are a few helpful hints of mine:

● Toilet paper tubes are perfect for storing hair-dryer cords and extension cords.

● Plastic dishwashing soap melts and clings to the dishes. Bad, bad! Use tablets instead.

● Also, regarding the smells from the dishwasher and laundry machine, never close them completely when not using them. I use a cork to prop the door open and the lid on the washer. There’s never a smell.

• Myrna,

in Oxnard, California

CURSIVE IS SHORTHAND

Dear Heloise: Cursive is actually shorthand for printing. A word can be written quicker in cursive than in print. — Karen M., via email

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

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